Decisive Faith: The Urgency of Spiritual Commitment

In reflecting on the story of Lot from Genesis 19, we are reminded of the dangers of spiritual hesitation and the urgency of decision-making in our faith journey. Lot, despite being warned of the impending destruction of Sodom, lingered, caught between the familiarity of his surroundings and the necessity of escape. This hesitation is a mirror to many of us who hear the Gospel, understand its implications, and yet delay in committing fully to Christ. The narrative challenges us to examine our own lives and the areas where we might be lingering, knowing the truth yet hesitating to act upon it. [00:00:04]

Lot was highly favored in the midst of a general destruction. Angels were sent to take care of him. He had received a warning which many had not heard, and he had felt the terror that warning should excite. While some who had heard the tidings little heeded their imminent moment, Lot stood in the condition of one who knew that he must leave the city, for it was about to be destroyed. [00:01:28]

I believe Lot to be in this respect the exact counterpart of a great many hearers of the Gospel. They understand at least its threat ings. They know something about the way of Escape. They have resolved to follow that way, and they intend to do so very soon. Yet for a long time they have halted on the verge of decision. [00:02:39]

There are certain thoughts which have been and are still fermenting in my soul. I have heard that a conclave was held in pandemonium in the lower regions. Satan had called together all the Devils who showed him Allegiance, and he said to them, I want one of you to go forth as a lying Spirit from this place to deceive. [00:04:10]

I shall insinuate doubts as to the authenticity of scripture. I shall Bell the teachings of the doctrines of the word of God, and so shall I keep them from Christ. But again, the leader of that conclave objected that this would scarcely suffice, for the multitude had so heard the gospel, and those whose conversion he was most anxious to prevent were so conversant with its historical facts. [00:05:39]

I will tell you which most of all struck Satan, which he determined to use most among the sons of men. It was this one foul spirit said, I will not insinuate doubts about the existence of God or the truth of scripture. I know it would not avail, but this thing I will do. I will tell men that those these things are true and important. [00:06:27]

I should like to ask you, my beloved friend, if this matter about which you are still hesitating is not of vital importance to you. It concerns your soul, yourself, your true self. It deals with your destiny, your impending, your Eternal Destiny. You are immortal. You acknowledge a deathless principle within you, and you are conscious that you shall live forever in happiness or woe. [00:07:36]

Do you not feel now, if you will let your better nature speak, that the very first thing a man should see to should be this: to be reconciled to God and have all right with him for eternity? I will then ask you another question: is there anything so very pleasant in a state of enmity to God that you should wish to remain in it? [00:09:48]

It is a most unhappy condition to be in, to have light enough to know that you're in the dark and no more, to have just enough Grace to feel that you have not the grace that can save you, to be enough wakened to feel that if you remain as you are, you must perish forever. I do not see anything in this hesitating condition. [00:11:01]

I remind the lingerer that while he lingers, he endangers the souls of other people. When Lot went to his sons-in-law and told them that the city was to be destroyed, he was to them as one that mocked. How would they say to him, go to doed, do you think we believe you? The sky is clear and blue, and the Sun is risen. [00:21:12]

The Mischief that Lot did to his daughters was yet more aggravated, for all the while he was hesitating, they were sure to hesitate too. He was keeping them waiting. They were in Jeopardy as well as himself. How many comrades, young man, you might have instructed in the faith before now had you been yourself discip, decided. [00:23:38]

I urge all Christian people to use every opportunity and study to season their conversation with Grace. So beside all waters, for you know not which may Prosper this or that. Sometimes men have been decided by the deaths of their relatives or their friends. I may be the next has been suggested to them when the dear child has been buried. [00:31:21]